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Topic Review (Newest First)

04-01-2014 05:31 PM

Twyla

6 mth old DA pup -- agree no prong collar, maybe later. I would suggest discussing with your trainer about using a martingale instead the head halter, or if the trainer is insistent on using a head halter, look into the Canny collar.

I've had the head halter break with my troublemaker, the Canny collar didn't break with all his antics. Another suggestion is to reconsider using a harness as a back up. Harnesses can be backed out of (yep did that to) think about using a martingale with a tab as your back up.

Again, discuss this with your trainer, he/she is the one with eyes on your dog.

Options for walking your pup, especially while you are working on getting her used to collars, equipment - business parks, church campuses, school campuses. Then once she is used to the equipment, reintroduce the neighborhood walks.

04-01-2014 05:30 PM

Chip18

Personally I think head halters are crap and can be dangerous if abused. Non the less people have used them successfully.
I myself prefer to train my dogs to walk on a loose leash without "tools" don't know if your dog would be this bad but the principle is sound.

Maybe you need to find a different kind of trainer. I am trying to think of where Girard is. I know a good trainer that works out of Mentor/Painesville now, and she has some people she refers people to for specific problems.

There is nothing wrong with positive training, but you still have to have confidence and timing. You have to figure out how to motivate the dog to do what you want it to do. You'll need patience and consistentsy, and you have to have the attitude that you are the one that will determine things. Things like if we are going to walk or if we are going to go home now.

So my 6month gsd went for walks well with a choke collar and e collar before. Now we decided to go all positive training. She mauled me on a regular harness while walking but new trainer suggested the "gentel leader" (head harness) to control her when she starts maulling.

I highly suggest you follow the advice that your trainer is giving you. I would not put a prong on this pup, unless it is suggested by your trainer.

It sounds like your pup is learning to shut down due to too much pressure being applied by you. 6 months old, and you already put it in an e-collar to walk it. I'm sure for reasons you thought were right, but your trainer must feel you need to back off the pressure.

I applaud you for seeking professional help for your pup. Don't confuse your pup any more by following your trainer's advice and then trying to add a spin on it. Let your trainer see any adverse behavior your pup may be doing.

04-01-2014 03:48 PM

graciesmom

I just went through this with Jazz about 3 weeks ago. Mind you, she is younger than your GSD. My trainer suggested that they sometimes go through a fear period where they don't want to leave the property. She suggested, as others have here, putting her in the van to another spot, maybe even the next block, and starting her out from there. I did and it worked. She seems to have gotten over the imaginary boundary of our property and we are back to daily walks. I have not used a choke or ecollar on her though, she's too young. We're still on the flat collar and I have started using the thunder leash ... seems to be working along with treats. In regards to the ball, what about a ball attached to a rope and use it as a lure?

04-01-2014 03:40 PM

ApselBear

Maybe to a nearby lake with hiking trails? Not necessarily a dog park.

What about a different toy? Anything that you think will keep her attention but you can keep her from eating you?

04-01-2014 03:38 PM

Jlmaiorana

Too many dogs at parks. Shes really dog agressive. Been socializing her and going to obedience classes but she still goes after all dogs in an agressive manor. We took her to a park once and there were dogs everywhere. Just driving around the park she was barking at them all and not playfully.

04-01-2014 03:34 PM

Jlmaiorana

If I dont immediately give or throw the ball she goes at it in my hand kinda like the mauling. We have been working on getting her to drop the ball for 5 months but she wont without a high value treat. Then we get her to calm and sit before we throw the ball. Too posessive with toys.

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